Cambodia marks 11th anniversary of King's coronation

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Fireworks were shot into the sky over Tonle Sap River in front of the capital's Royal Palace at Thursday night to celebrate the 11th anniversary of King Norodom Sihamoni's coronation.

The fireworks show lasted about 30 minutes, catching the eyes of throngs of local and foreign strollers along the river.

The day is a national holiday in this Southeast Asian country.

The monarch's portraits are displayed in front of all state's ministries and institutions, as blessing messages from the heads of the senate, the national assembly, the government and ministries have been read on televisions and radios, and printed in newspapers or posted on news websites.

In a message to the king, Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his profound gratitude to him for his contributions to the construction of numerous social achievements and humanitarian activities.

"On this auspicious occasion, I would like to bless Your Majesty the King with good health, strength, wisdom, and longevity in order to continue your noble royal mission to bring Cambodia to prosperity and glory," he said.

Sihamoni, 62, ascended the throne as the King of Cambodia on Oct. 29, 2004 after his father late King Norodom Sihanouk abdicated due to health problems.

source: http://www.globalpost.com/article/6677742/2015/10/29/cambodia-marks-11th-anniversary-kings-coronation